Pakistan is currently facing a possible shortage of ghee and cooking oil due to a delay in the clearance of edible oil shipments at Port Qasim. The situation is becoming more serious as no shipments have been cleared in over a week, creating concerns about supply disruptions across the country.
Sheikh Omar Rehan, Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association, has stated that the terminal at the port is completely occupied, leaving no space to unload the incoming shipments. As a result, around 8 to 10 ships carrying more than 70,000 metric tonnes of palm oil are stuck, unable to discharge their cargo. This delay is raising fears of a significant shortage of ghee and cooking oil in local markets.
In addition to the supply issues, importers are facing heavy financial losses. Since the shipments are stranded at the port, companies are being charged heavy demurrages and fines, increasing their financial burden. The suspension of the customs software (PSW) has also made the situation worse, as it is further delaying the clearance process. Importers are now suffering billions of rupees in losses due to the ongoing delays.
The crisis has once again highlighted the inefficiencies in Pakistan’s port system, which plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth flow of goods into the country. If the situation is not resolved soon, consumers may experience an increase in the prices of cooking oil and ghee, affecting households across Pakistan.
Authorities are being urged to take immediate action to resolve the clearance issues at the port to prevent further economic losses and supply shortages. The delay is not only causing difficulties for importers but also posing a serious risk to consumers who rely on a steady supply of cooking oil for their daily needs.
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